Tuscan White Bean Pasta
A quick and cozy pasta dish made with cannellini beans, spinach, and fragrant seasonings, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta Ingredients
- 12 oz Pasta (penne, rigatoni, or shells) Choose a shape that catches the sauce
- 1 can Cannellini beans Drained and rinsed
Flavor Base Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tbsp Butter Optional
- 4 cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 medium Onion or shallot Optional, adds sweetness
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste Small amount, big impact
Seasoning Ingredients
- 4 cups Vegetable or chicken broth Whatever you have
- 1 cup Spinach Fresh or thawed frozen, squeezed dry
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese For finishing
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning Or dried oregano and basil
- 1/4 tsp Crushed red pepper Optional for heat
- 1 medium Lemon For a squeeze at the end
- to taste Salt and black pepper
Instructions
Cooking Pasta
- Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until it is just tender.
- Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water.
Starting the Sauce
- In a large skillet, warm olive oil and a small knob of butter.
- If using, add the onion and cook for a few minutes until softened, then stir in the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Building the Flavor
- Stir in the tomato paste and dried herbs, letting it cook for a minute.
Adding Beans and Broth
- Tip in the cannellini beans and splash in the broth.
- Gently mash some of the beans with the back of a spoon to thicken the sauce.
Incorporating Spinach
- Add the spinach and stir until it wilts. If using frozen spinach, add it earlier to heat through.
Combining
- Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet.
- Pour in a little reserved pasta water and stir, adding more as necessary until the sauce becomes silky.
Finishing Touches
- Turn off the heat and stir in parmesan, black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon.
- Taste and adjust salt, and add red pepper if desired.
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat with a splash of water or broth. To freeze, undercook pasta slightly and thaw in the fridge before reheating.